tongue coupler problem

[fudge_brownie]

Seems to be some quality control with these couplers. My posting above (#14) states the coupler does not close tight enough, yours is even more annoying in that it does not open enough.

More people may have my issue, but unless they hear a clunk when braking they may not even know it is loose. If you are concerned clamp a loose 2” ball into the coupler and see how much tolerance you have. The ball should spin but not move.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by fudge_brownie

Seems to be some quality control with these couplers. My posting above (#14) states the coupler does not close tight enough, yours is even more annoying in that it does not open enough.

More people may have my issue, but unless they hear a clunk when braking they may not even know it is loose. If you are concerned clamp onto a loose 2” ball into the coupler and see how much tolerance you have. The ball should spin but not move.

And believe me we have had problems in the past too. One time even leaving on a trip , a couple blocks away discovered we weren’t really attached . Someday we spend the money and change out the coupler . Pat

[MyronL]

I would definitely do as Ron suggested. Then, I painted the thing light gray to make it more visible to my truck tailgate camera tv screen.

[gbaglo]

I'm using Easy Hitch camera for hitching and I find, as do others, that it is easy, if the ball is slightly forward of centre.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I'm using Easy Hitch camera for hitching and I find, as do others, that it is easy, if the ball is slightly forward of centre.

Use something similar Glenn , I Ball , I can hitch by myself . The trailer is a little up hill but the camera sure makes it easier ! Pat

[CADreamin]

We also do as Ron suggested and, so far, it's been fairly easy (thanks, in part, to our iBall camera (https://www.iballhitchcam.com/). However, we had a similar experience as Pat so now, after latching the coupler, we raise the jack to be sure that all is attached securely.

[Rrgramps]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

You might try making a small change in your ritual. Position the front of the coupler, not dead center, but with the front edge slightly onto the ball. As you lower the tongue it drops down OK and seems to prevent what's happening to you.

Ron

That’s something I recollect having done in the past before, and remember watching the tongue sliding forward and over the ball as I lowered it. Just forgot about doing it, and then, not realize at the time, that it was a remedy. I’m leaving the campground we’re in, Friday, and will try it again. This time, with the realization that, that’s how it’s done.

When releasing, I suppose, pull forward a bit, and let the front of the trailer tongue ride the ball upward as it’s being raised. Maybe the tongue latch is hanging up and grabbing. Especially if the ball is jammed rearward and against it. Maybe.

Might even try it when it gets light and warmer tomorrow, just to put it in practice.

[gbaglo]

Don't forget to report here.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by CADreamin

We also do as Ron suggested and, so far, it's been fairly easy (thanks, in part, to our iBall camera (https://www.iballhitchcam.com/). However, we had a similar experience as Pat so now, after latching the coupler, we raise the jack to be sure that all is attached securely.

Very good advice , about raising the jack up to make sure you are secure before you assume and take off ! Pat

[croatanwoods]

This exact situation happened to us the first morning out from Chilliwack. Fortunately, ETI sent someone out to our location at the KOA in Lynden WA and "persuaded" the vertical tang back into its proper position from its forward tilt.

[Red Dog]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Agreed. I bet if Myron pulled forward slightly and took pressure off the hitch mechanism it would drop into place. I’ve had this happen before when hitching. The ball likes to be seated nicely into the front.

This is how I get my hitch to drop over the ball. It sounds crazy, but it works!

Fred M.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Couplers do wear out and in the realm of good, better, best- the RAM is barely good IMO. Maybe PM Rbryan and ask him why he changed to a bulldog.

No need to PM. I got tired of that stubborn yoke style. Hookups and unhooks are now easy peasy.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Ian G

I was having some troubles with the original coupler, I replaced it with a Bulldog coupler and could not be happier https://www.etrailer.com/tv-Demo-Bul...-BD028287.aspx!

Thumbs up.

[Rrgramps]

That worked. Pulling the TV with the front edge slightly onto the ball. Was this something I missed at orientation last year?

[diannelgraham]

After monkeying with this couple for over two years had it cut off and a bulldog style welded on, I now do the happy dance every time I hook and unhook.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by diannelgraham

After monkeying with this couple for over two years had it cut off and a bulldog style welded on, I now do the happy dance every time I hook and unhook.

Nice right? Lifts right off.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by diannelgraham

After monkeying with this couple for over two years had it cut off and a bulldog style welded on, I now do the happy dance every time I hook and unhook.

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Nice right? Lifts right off.

Would you guys mind sharing which model you used? 5,000#, 7,000#? High profile latch or low profile latch? Thanks.
https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-A~F...m-Bulldog.aspx

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by Mountain_gal

The video made the operation of the Bulldog look like it takes quite a bit of force and grip strength. Is that true?

It does take some strength, I have arthritis in my fingers but I can still pull it back ok.

[diannelgraham]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Nice right? Lifts right off.

Yes but as noted above your alignment to the ball needs to be more accurate. I installed the bulldog etrailer model number BD028287, absolutely love it.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by diannelgraham

I installed the bulldog etrailer model number BD028287, absolutely love it.

Thank you. So it's the 7000# with low profile latch.
https://www.etrailer.com/A-Frame-Tra.../BD028287.html